Here! Now! Imperative: not to be avoided: necessary. In a typical week, the show will cover not only all the big news stories, but also the stories behind the stories, or some of the less crucial but equally intriguing things happening in the world.

Here! Now! Imperative: not to be avoided: necessary. In a typical week, the show will cover not only all the big news stories, but also the stories behind the stories, or some of the less crucial but equally intriguing things happening in the world.

Thursday, April 3, 2014Columbus isn't giving up quest for a 2016 national political conventionColumbus shifts focus to Democratic convention after being cut from RNC race...Cleveland, Cincinnati still courting Republicansby WKSU's KEVIN NIEDERMIER

ReporterKevin Niedermier

In The Region:

Columbus is regrouping after being eliminated this week as a candidate for the 2016 Republican National Convention. Cleveland, Cincinnati and four other cities have advanced to the selection committee’s next round are still in the running.

“Experience Columbus” is that city’s visitors and convention bureau. CEO Brian Ross told the Columbus Dispatch that the city’s bid for the convention was probably hurt by its “vanilla” image.

While announcing Cleveland’s advancement, Mayor Frank Jackson said he would pursue some of the funding promised in Columbus’s failed bid.But, Beth Ervin of “Experience Columbus says that money isn’t moving.

“Yesterday’s announcement, though disappointing, has made us more committed to pursue the Democratic national Convention for Columbus. I really can’t, at this point, share the funding sources we had lined up, that would be preparatory, competitive information, and we certainly use those in pursuit of the DNC.”

Cleveland and Cincinnati are also interested in landing the Democratic convention. Cincinnati’s bid for the Republican Convention says the city appeals to three states, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. And, Southwest Ohio is home to Republican House Speaker John Boehner.and Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul are from Kentucky. The RNC expects to make a final decision late this summer or early fall.